There is a beautiful quote by Alan Watts that perfectly captures the essence of the work I strive to do with my clients: “You are a function of what the whole universe is doing in the same way that a wave is a function of what the whole ocean is doing.” As a counselor, I help my clients understand their inherent interconnectedness with the world and guide them in embracing their humanness as they navigate the complexities of life.

One of the most profound aspects of my work as a counselor is bearing witness to the transformative power of self-acceptance and vulnerability. Erich Fromm, the renowned social psychologist and philosopher, once wrote, “Man’s main task in life is to give birth to himself, to become what he potentially is.” Through the process of self-exploration, my clients learn to embrace their authentic selves, moving away from the societal constructs and expectations that often stifle growth and self-discovery.

In the safe and nurturing space of the counseling room, I help clients peel back the layers of their protective armor, revealing the raw and vulnerable aspects of their humanness. Through this process, they begin to see that vulnerability is not a weakness, but rather a gateway to authentic connection and growth.

Drawing on the wisdom of Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Eat, Pray, Love, who said, “Embrace the glorious mess that you are,” I encourage my clients to celebrate their imperfections and the inherent messiness of being human. By embracing their own unique blend of strengths, weaknesses, and idiosyncrasies, clients come to see that the process of growth and healing is not about striving for perfection, but rather about cultivating self-compassion and self-awareness.

I am continually inspired by the resilience and courage my clients demonstrate as they explore the depths of their humanness. I find solace in the words of Alan Watts, who said, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” It is through this process of moving with the inevitable ebb and flow of life that my clients discover their innate capacity for growth, healing, and transformation.

Guided by the wisdom of Erich Fromm, who wrote, “To have faith requires courage, the ability to take a risk, the readiness even to accept pain and disappointment,” I help my clients develop the courage to face their fears and confront the obstacles that stand in the way of their growth. Through this process, they come to understand that true freedom and happiness can only be found by embracing their humanness, with all its joys and sorrows, triumphs and setbacks.

As a counselor, it is a privilege to accompany my clients on their journey towards self-discovery and growth, to witness the blossoming of their authentic selves as they learn to embrace their humanness. It is my hope that through this work, my clients will come to see that, in the words of Elizabeth Gilbert, “We’re all just walking each other home.”